Hydrometer

A device for measuring the density of a liquid. A hydrometer will float higher in a more dense liquid than in a less dense one. Brewing are usually calibrated to pure water at 60 degrees f. There are several methods of reading a liquid's density, with the metric standard being Specific Gravity Specific Gravity is a ratio of the liquid's density compared to the density of water, giving water a Specific Gravity of 1. Wort is a sugar solution and is more dense than water. Readings taken after fermentation will give a lower readding since sugars have been converted to alcohol. From these numbers, alcohol percentage and yeast attenuation can be calculated. Common scales used in brewing to express gravity are:

Contents

Using a Hydrometer

Make sure the Hydrometer and trial jar are clean. Place the sample in the jar. Lower the hydrometer into the jar. Spin to remove clinging bubbles. Make sure the hydrometer is floating straight and not touching the sides. When the Hydrometer is steady ready the scale at the lowest level of the liquid. Take the temperature of the liquid and adjust for rated temperature, usually 60°F or 20°C.

Tips.

Take a sample using a sterilised sample (Wine thief, Turkey Baster, Syphon)
Do not return the test sample to the vessel, Sample it for taste.
Do not bottle the beer unless it is at or close to the target final gravity. This can causer a bottle to explode or at least a gusher.